Show us your handplanes

[jimreed2160]

Wrench--That is a cool rabbet plane you have. I think the blade goes in with the bevel DOWN. It is hard to tell from the picture, but the cutting angle looks like it is north of 70 degrees and the mouth is waaaay too open. Turn it over and the mouth closes up considerably and the cutting angle reverts to a normal 45 degrees. It does look like a carriagemaker's tool. They had to cut and widen lots of grooves to use as water channels to keep the inside of the carriage dry. Looks like this plane would help in those tight spots.

And not to hijack this thread, but I have started a website for woodworking and woodworking tool restoration. Content is low now but I add new copy and pictures almost every day. I restore handplanes and now have a permanent home for my fixer-upper stories.

https://splintermaking.com/

 

[wrenchguy]

thanks 4 the info.

 

[CRSINMICH]

Here's a plane I found at an antique store last summer. Notice the very high bedding angle of the iron. The iron will act like a scraper at that angle. In fact, the "cutting edge" is serrated. This is a toothing plane. It was used for scoring a solid wood surface to better accept glue during veneering.

 

[droptical]

I don't have any hand planes yet, but hope to reconcile that issue soon when I visit the owner of these in the next day or two. I know absolutely nothing at this point so I hope that I can gather a bit of advice from the experts here on what I should look for and expect to pay. All I have to go on so far are these pics, but have requested more detail. I'll follow up when I hear back from him.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[Jim C.]

I’d have to examine each plane individually, but from looking only at the photos, all the planes are in “user” condition. I don’t see anything remarkable, and some appear to be missing parts. Several have damaged parts. Although they may be old, that alone does not make them overly valuable. With the exception of a couple block planes, the rest are bench planes in what appear to be very common sizes. If you are going to buy any of them, the better planes will likely be those made by Stanley. Any marked as Stanley Bedrocks are probably worth a look. Sargent planes were pretty good too. If any are missing parts, or have damaged parts, replacing those parts and/or finding those parts could be expensive and time consuming. More pictures would be helpful.

Jim C.

 

[CRSINMICH]

droptical: I agree with everything Jim C said. Jeeze! What a problem! All those planes! If you're just starting I'd recommend sticking with the smaller ones like a No.4. There seem to be some to choose from. Look for cracks or repairs in the cast iron parts - avoid them! A No.5 could be useful for a beginner too. Some of those big brutes in the third photo are No.7's or No.8's. They'd be hard to pass on if they were reasonably priced. They don't show up as often but a beginner probably would be better off spending his money on something else. BTW, that wooden plane that can just be seen at the left edge of the first picture is a plow/plough plane. IF it's all there and IF it's less than $50, and IF you can swing the money - BUY IT. You may not need it at this stage of woodworking but you'll be glad to have it before too long. NOTICE that I made them all big IFs. It would be hard to recommend any one of those planes specifically because the pictures don't show enough. Stanley is usually a good bet but not always. Don't buy any with missing pieces right now. Oh - this is important - if any of the bench planes are Stanley No.2's or a very very small Stanley with no number, send them to me immediately!

 

[ez-duzit]

d--that looks like a bunch of trash, but you might find 1 or 2 in there worth restoring if they're dirt cheap. Raise your sights and avoid bottom feeding. You don't need a truckload of someone else's junk.

 

[Jim C.]

d--that looks like a bunch of trash, but you might find 1 or 2 in there worth restoring if they're dirt cheap. Raise your sights and avoid bottom feeding. You don't need a truckload of someone else's junk.

While I was writing my post above, these were generally my thoughts. If the planes were close by, I’d probably go take a look at them. If not, I’d probably pass. I receive planes like this all the time from people who know I collect and use planes. They think they’re giving me something special and valuable, so I accept every single one of them with a sincere, “Thank You!” and a smile. Most are junk, but every once in a while I’ll get something that just needs a couple hours worth of attention and TLC out in the shop on a rainy (or snowy) Saturday afternoon..... So droptical, if you go look at the collection, don’t be too eager and don’t get caught up in the age of the planes. What I see in those pictures are very common, well used and abused planes that aren’t really worth too much. Be critical of what you see.

Jim C.

 

[droptical]

BTW, that wooden plane that can just be seen at the left edge of the first picture is a plow/plough plane. IF it's all there and IF it's less than $50, and IF you can swing the money - BUY IT. You may not need it at this stage of woodworking but you'll be glad to have it before too long.

What should I be looking for in the way of missing parts on the plow plane if it appears to be in decent condition? Also, in general, could anyone give me an idea of which parts are commonly missing on any of Stanley or Sargent planes?

NOTICE that I made them all big IFs.Oh - this is important - if any of the bench planes are Stanley No.2's or a very very small Stanley with no number, send them to me immediately!

I'll keep that in mind, but there's a pretty good chance that I'll just keep them for myself if I find one.

Some of those big brutes in the third photo are No.7's or No.8's. They'd be hard to pass on if they were reasonably priced.

Any thoughts on what might be a reasonable price if all the parts are there?

If the planes were close by, I’d probably go take a look at them. If not, I’d probably pass.

He's a couple of hours away, but my main reason for the trip is because of a planer and a couple of other power tools he's selling.

Just to clarify, at this point I'm just looking to find a couple of good functional planes without getting taken to the cleaners. I'm not looking for anything collectible, but would take one if the opportunity presents itself. That being said, and from what you can tell from the pictures, what would you consider a reasonable price to pay for a Stanley or Sargent No. 4 or 5 if all of the parts are there?

Oh, one more thing. I guess I lied to you. I had forgotten about a couple of planes that I inherited from my dad. I'll dig them up and post pictures if I can find them.

Thanks for your help.
Andy

 

[ez-duzit]

...He's a couple of hours away, but my main reason for the trip is because of a planer and a couple of other power tools he's selling...

Pics?

 

[droptical]

That was surprisingly easy! I'm glad that I'm in the habit of labeling boxes before they go in the attic.

I hadn't even thought about these in ages. They don't appear to be anything special. Can any of you tell me anything about them? Where should I look for markings?







Andy

 

[droptical]

Here's the rest of the pics -

 

[ez-duzit]

Looks like cheap stuff, but should be usable. Why are you trying to buy more planes while these sit in your attic?

 

[CRSINMICH]

droptical: The plow plane would actually not have all that many parts: The body, at least one cutting iron, a wedge, a fence with two arms, and probably four wooden "nuts". The arms on the fence will have external threads and will extend through the body of the plane. There will be a nut on each side of the body on each of the arms. The nuts are used to set the distance from the inner side of the fence to the cutting iron. If all the pieces are there, the most common potential problem is some of the external wooden threads will be damaged. The fence and plane will still function even if some of the threads are damaged or missing. I'll attach a picture of one that I have so you can see what I'm talking about. Usually when I see a wooden plane without an iron I say that it now it's just and interestingly shaped block of wood. That's not the case with plow planes. Replacement irons can be had without ruinous expense. Believe it or not the wedge is more critical especially on bench planes. If they don't fit fairly precisely there may be problems with chatter or the shavings may bind in the plane. It looks like the plane in the picture has one. So that's my take on plow planes. They are useful and downright beautiful.

As far as the larger iron planes I can't really give you a good idea of price. I haven't seen that many in person for sale. I do have a couple of No.6's and recently bought a No.7. All of them were ridiculously cheap and would not give you a good idea of their actual price. I know that they are lusted after so expect a shock.

 

[CRSINMICH]

droptical: You posted your photos while I was typing. Those planes are not top-of-the-line but if you took the time to tune them up carefully they might give you good service. I'd start with the Handyman bench plane - not the block plane. Handyman was a Stanley line - a money saver line. It may not have the best of components but it is a Stanley so it might just be able to be made into a good user.

 

[twertsy]

I don't collect them but I picked up this offset / bellied blade example today for $10.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[CRSINMICH]

twertsy: That is an unusual one! Skewed blade and is that an adjustment mechanism? Does it look like there was a wooden wedge at one time or does that metal piece (cap iron?) serve the same purpose. I always like the looks of those European horned planes. The stamps on the iron are a puzzle too - a double eagle and a C-clamp? Just who was Johan Weiss and what did he and his son produce? Probably somebody who was experienced at researching old tool manufacturers could find out. Do you know anyone like that?

 

[twertsy]

twertsy: That is an unusual one! Skewed blade and is that an adjustment mechanism? Does it look like there was a wooden wedge at one time or does that metal piece (cap iron?) serve the same purpose. I always like the looks of those European horned planes. The stamps on the iron are a puzzle too - a double eagle and a C-clamp? Just who was Johan Weiss and what did he and his son produce? Probably somebody who was experienced at researching old tool manufacturers could find out. Do you know anyone like that?

Way ahead of you on that. Founded in 1820 in Austria. Yes, its missing its wedge. Here are some more pics.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[Farmer J.]

Probably somebody who was experienced at researching old tool manufacturers could find out. Do you know anyone like that?

Research old tool manufacturers? That chat Twertsy on the GJ is the first name that comes to mind...!

 

[CRSINMICH]

twertsy: Thanks for the extra pictures. Austria explains the WEIN stamped into the cutting iron. According to Google Translate it means VIENNA. Now I need to figure out HERMAN. I suppose it could be the foundry that cast the steel blade. The sole of the plane is curious too. It looks like a rabbet (rebate) plane but there are rabbets (rebates) along the long sides of the sole. My guess is that this is a carriage maker's plane. They had all kinds of oddball planes.

Thanks again for the extra pictures and thanks for all the work you've put into your site. It's a valuable resource.

 

[CRSINMICH]

Research old tool manufacturers? That chat Twertsy on the GJ is the first name that comes to mind...!

Twertsy you say? Maybe he could be of assistance at that.

 

[jimreed2160]

Twertsy--That is a great plane. My guess is that it is a European panel raising plane. The skew blade would work well on the crossgrain ends.

 

[CRSINMICH]

twertsy: Well, that was easy. Here's an excerpt from a article in Handplane Central about Weiss and Sohn planes.

"In 1911 Weiss aquired the firm of D. Flir Vorm. Franz Wertheim, a manufacturer of plane irons and steel tools. Until this time Weiss had bought its plane irons from the firm of Herman, whose name appears on many Weiss irons above the Weiss logo and below the double eagle which signifies Weiss's appointment as an official supplier to the old Austrian Royal and Industrial Empire."

So your plane is pre-1911.

As part of this article there are scans of 40 pages of a 1909 Weiss catalog. Here's a link: http://www.handplane.com/143/joh-weiss-sohn-1909-catalog-part-i/

 

[CRSINMICH]

Johan Weiss und Sohn​

​

(I really don't know when to leave well enough alone)​

 

[Farmer J.]

Twertsy--That is a great plane. My guess is that it is a European panel raising plane. The skew blade would work well on the crossgrain ends.

I wondered about this but don't know much about it.
Is that the type of plane they would have used for the edges of panels like the ones in the doors of this cupboard?

That's a nice plane and a good find, interesting research, well done Twertsy.

 

[droptical]

You posted your photos while I was typing. Those planes are not top-of-the-line but if you took the time to tune them up carefully they might give you good service. I'd start with the Handyman bench plane - not the block plane. Handyman was a Stanley line - a money saver line. It may not have the best of components but it is a Stanley so it might just be able to be made into a good user.

Thanks for your suggestions, CRSINMICH. The man with the planers sold the other tools before I got there so I won't be making the trip to see the planers. He never did respond with any additional info. I'll keep an eye open for others closer to home. For now though, I'm going to clean up the ones I have.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[CRSINMICH]

droptical: You are welcome. Take your time and learn as much as you can before you get in too deep. I would recommend a couple of Paul Sellers' You Tube videos. There is one where he completely rehabs a no.4 plane and one where he tunes up a plane. The rehab is a little over an hour long and it has lots of information about planes. Good luck!

Also, let me take this opportunity to warn you: Hand planes are a deep dark rabbit hole. Be careful or you'll fall in before you know it.

 

[Jim C.]

Also, let me take this opportunity to warn you: Hand planes are a deep dark rabbit hole. Be careful or you'll fall in before you know it.

Agreed...... Go back and review post #19 above.

 

[LGW1]

Hi all you plane experts out there, I've recently acquired the itch for obtaining some hand planes for my very amateur woodworking hobby. I'm just beginning to work out what to look for when searching the 2nd hand-hand plane mine field out there.

Could anyone tell me if these look mostly original or have been put together with random parts that don't match the originals.

Thanks

 

[ALLFAST]

I picked this up from a retired gentleman yesterday for $20. It's a Stanley Bailey 27-1/2 Transiitional plane. It's in remarkable shape. All of its adjustment points seem to function perfectly, no damage or missing parts. I'm going to wait and see if I do a tasteful refurbishment or not. It cuts well, and he blade hasn't been abused. Yes, a slippery slope. Now to find a No.7 and No.8 Joiner plane !

 

[ALLFAST]

If I understand correctly, were these favored by old time wooden boat builders because of their lightweight for overhead work ?

 

[ALLFAST]

Oh yes, he bought it many years ago out of an antique shop in Arkansas. No history known.

 

[My Old Tools]

A few of the metal bodied planes. The wooden bodied planes are still boxed up from the move.

 

[jimreed2160]

I wondered about this but don't know much about it.
Is that the type of plane they would have used for the edges of panels like the ones in the doors of this cupboard?

That's a nice plane and a good find, interesting research, well done Twertsy.

Sorry for the delayed reply. You are correct. Those panels look like they were made with a similar handplane. When I make them, I use a saw to define the inner edge and to make a clean cut on the side of the raised block.

 

[jimreed2160]

Ross--That's quite a stable you have there. It's nice to have several so you don't have to stop to sharpen blades when you are in the middle of a project.

Here is a plane that came in today. It is an Ulmia sliding dovetail plane. The shavings are spirals because this plane has a skew blade.

 

[ALLFAST]

Ross,
You have the sickness bad ! That's just " plain" excellent!

 

[EOC_Jason]

Nice collection Ross... I'm just trying to get a basic set together to use... lol... I was actually looking at my meager few today and plan to build a rack for them so they aren't just sitting on one of my work benches...

 

[My Old Tools]

The majority of them are #10 and #10 1/2 rabbet planes for timber framing, but I have all the standard stuff, most of the Bedrocks, and a smattering of rare stuff. I have a bunch of woodies too. I love the hand tools and old ways of working.

 

[hsvtoolfool]

If I understand correctly, were these favored by old time wooden boat builders because of their lightweight for overhead work ?

That's a "transitional" plane. It was meant to entice galoots
who preferred wooden planes into adopting the newfangled
metal contraptions. They are a transition from wood to metal.

Very few sizes are considered "valuable" by collectors because
they were cheap, plentiful, and rarely survive in decent condition.
If you have one in nice condition, and it's tuned correctly, they
work nicely enough.

I've never heard that boat builders prefer transitional planes.
To me, light weight is mostly a factor when carrying a toolbox.
If weight were a factor, they'd just use wooden planes and
be done with it.

 

[ALLFAST]

Toolfool,

Thanks for the scoop!

Shawn